Summary
- Nightwing its to hating capes because they hinder his crime-fighting ability, a key reason he can't replace Batman permanently with the way the suit is currently designed.
- Dick Grayson feels burdened by the Batman mantle and struggles with the cape in Batman and Robin #2.
- The cape issue highlights the difference in fighting styles between Nightwing and Batman.
While Batman for an extended period, Dick Grayson has openly itted that he has no desire to wear the cowl permanently. However, beyond Dick’s personal preference for his blue, black, and finger stripes, there’s actually a compelling reason why he could never truly replace Bruce in the long run.
Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s Batman and Robin run sees Nightwing donning Batman’s mantle along with the iconic cape and cowl. However, it's during this run, specifically in issue two, that Dick confides in Alfred about why he could never fully fill Bruce's shoes as Batman, and it all boils down to the Batsuit’s cape.
Dick reveals that the iconic cape significantly hinders his crime-fighting ability, throwing off his balance. Hence, as long as the Batsuit retains its cape, Nightwing could never effectively replace Bruce as Batman since it impedes his ability to combat crime efficiently.
Dick Grayson Can’t Replace Bruce Wayne as Batman Because of the Batsuit’s Cape
In #2, Dick experiences a quarter-life crisis as he unexpectedly takes on the Batman mantle while also shouldering the responsibility of mentoring Bruce’s blood son, Damian al Ghul. In a moment of stress, Dick confides in Alfred that he feels in over his head having to deal with a GD that doesn't take him seriously, and to add to his frustrations, he expresses his disdain for the cape, which throws off his balance. This revelation about the cape is particularly intriguing as it addresses a valid concern rather than an imagined obstacle.
The cape issue offers intriguing insight into Dick’s costume preferences. Continuing to discuss the Batsuit’s cape, Dick elaborates, “The cape was the first thing I ditched when I got out on my own,” referring to his Nightwing costume design. This statement also implies that the addition of the cape to the Robin costume was Bruce’s decision rather than Dick’s own. Regardless of whose idea the cape was, it's evident that Dick presently dislikes capes as they hinder his effectiveness in fights. Edna from The Incredibles would no doubt approve of Dick’s “No capes!” philosophy.
Dick’s Hatred for Capes Highlights Nightwing’s and Batman’s Distinctive Fighting Styles
Dick’s cape comment also highlights the contrast between Bruce's and Dick's fighting styles. Bruce seamlessly incorporates the cape into his fighting technique, utilizing it both defensively and strategically. Conversely, for Dick, the cape is a hindrance to his agility and mobility. His fighting style relies heavily on swift movement, agility, and evasion rather than absorbing blows like Bruce. Ultimately, if Bruce envisions Nightwing eventually assuming the Batman mantle permanently, significant suit design changes will be necessary to accommodate Dick's preferred combat approach.
Why Nightwing Didn't Replace Bruce in the Batman Beyond Timeline
Fans of Batman Beyond have often wondered what happened to Dick Grayson in this universe. Here's the answer — along with why he never became Batman.
Batman and Robin #2 is available now from DC Comics!
